HomeMy WebLinkAboutART-184Bergen Community College
Division of Arts and Humanities
Department of Visual Arts
Course Syllabus
Course Designation, Number, and Title
ART-184: Digital Photography (3 credits)
Basic Information About Course and Instructor
Semester and Year:
Section Number:
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Course Description
Official Catalog Course Description:
ART-184 Digital Photography is designed for students with a basic understanding of computer
graphics to gain knowledge of digital photography and photographic manipulation. Students will
create artwork using a variety of photographic processes. Through hands-on assignments, slide
presentations, critiques, and readings, students will engage with and build upon the artistic and
technical possibilities created by extending photography into the digital realm. Scanners,
printers, and computers will be available for classroom use.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Student Learning Outcomes
As a result of meeting the requirements in this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the theoretical and mechanical aspects of digital photography and photographic
manipulation.
○ Means of Assessment: Written assignments, quizzes, and exams.
2. Use professional digital cameras and associated computer hardware/software to create
and modify photographs.
○ Means of Assessment: Practical assignments and in-class demonstrations.
3. Develop knowledge of historical and contemporary photography.
○ Means of Assessment: Research papers, presentations, and discussions.
4. Produce a unique body of photographic artwork.
○ Means of Assessment: Portfolio reviews and critiques.
Course Content and Calendar
Week Topic Assignments
1 Introduction: The Digital Camera, Exposure
Modes
"A Place" Assignment (20 exposures)
2 Camera Functions, File Formats, Lightroom "Location Photography" (40
exposures)
3 Exposure Basics: Shutter Speed, F-Stop,
ISO
Shutter/Aperture/ISO Exercise
4 White Balance, Color Settings, Printing Composition with Objects (40
exposures)
5 Photoshop Basics Composition with Food (40
exposures)
6 Auto Focus, Depth-of-Field, Lenses Portrait Assignment (40 exposures)
7 Midterm Critique Prints Required
8 Image Adjustment Fundamentals Street Photography (40 exposures)
9 Bracketing and HDR HDR Assignment
10 Creative Exposures "After Dark" Assignment
11 Digital Darkroom Photo Essay Part 1 (40 exposures)
12 Photo Retouching and Restoration Photo Essay Part 2
13 Digital Portfolio Final Project Development
14 Review and Output Final Project Submission
15 Final Critique Attendance Required
Course Texts and Materials
Required Textbook:
● The Adobe Photoshop CC Book for Digital Photographers (2014 release) by Scott Kelby
● Adobe Photoshop CC Classroom in a Book (2015 release) by Andrew Faulkner (for
students unfamiliar with Photoshop)
Required Materials:
1. Digital Single-Lens Reflex or mirrorless camera
2. Portable Hard Drive (500GB or larger)
3. Photo Tripod (supports DSLR, up to 6.6 lb)
4. Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper (8.5 x 11 inches)
5. Art Portfolio Storage/Display Book (8.5 x 11", 48 pages)
6. Notebook
Assessment and Grading Policy
● Weekly Assignments: 70%
● Midterm Critique: 15%
● Final Critique: 15%
Students must be present at critiques to receive a midterm and final grade. Portfolios will be
evaluated based on technical achievement, creative concept development, and originality.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all classes. Absences must be made up independently. Arriving
late or leaving early counts as a partial absence. If you accumulate three absences, you will
fail the class.
Other College, Divisional, and Departmental Policy
Statements
● Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty: Refer to the BCC Academic Integrity Policy.
● Use of AI: AI-generated content must adhere to academic integrity standards.
● Accessibility Services: Contact OSS at 201-612-5270 or www.bergen.edu/oss for
accommodations.
● Sexual Harassment Policy: BCC Policy
● Technology Use Policy: Acceptable Use Policy
Student and Faculty Support Services
Library Resources: BCC Library
Student Services: BCC Student Support
Note: This syllabus is subject to change based on the needs of the course and class progress.